Back to School Anxiety: Helping Your Child With the September Transition
September can bring mixed emotions for children and parents. After weeks of summer routines, children are suddenly returning to early mornings, lessons, friendships and expectations.
For those starting a new school, particularly the move to secondary school, there are even more unknowns.
So how can parents help?
Expect some nerves
Some anxiety around change is normal. Children may worry about friendships, getting lost, new teachers, schoolwork or simply not knowing what to expect.
You may notice irritability, difficulty sleeping, stomach aches, repeated questions or your child saying they don't want to go.
Rather than trying to convince them not to worry, acknowledge how they feel:
“It makes sense that you're nervous. There's a lot that's new.”
It's tempting to reassure an anxious child:
“You'll definitely make friends.”
“You'll love it.”
But we can't guarantee these things.
Instead, help them recognise that they can cope even when they don't know exactly what will happen:
“We don't know what the first day will be like yet, but we'll work things out as they happen.”
Practical preparation can also help. Talk through where they need to go, transport, lunchtime, their timetable and who they can ask for help.
Remember: anxiety doesn't mean they can't cope
When children become anxious, parents naturally want to protect them.
However, repeatedly avoiding situations because they create anxiety can sometimes make the anxiety stronger. Where appropriate, encourage your child to take small, manageable steps.
Each experience of “I was nervous, but I did it” helps build confidence.
Give them time
Try not to judge a new school from the first few days.
Some children settle immediately; others take several weeks to find their feet. They may also come home tired, quiet or irritable after managing a busy new environment all day.
Keep home routines predictable, allow some downtime and try to communicate calm confidence.
If anxiety is persistent, worsening, significantly affecting everyday life or preventing your child from attending school, speak to the school and consider seeking additional professional support.
If you would like some additional support, please reach out with the link down below:
